A Leaders who Shines..Connects with Excellence (II)

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday
Aug 182010

By Brenda Pace

Here’s a leadership question for you: Does excellence matter to God? Does God care about quality? Is He concerned with how well things are done? Some would say, “No, all God cares about is the heart.” That is true—kind of. God is primarily concerned with the heart; but God cares about excellence as an expression of the heart. The way I serve God, whether it is in church, home, or the workplace, reveals what is in my heart. The goal of a Christian leader is to honor God in every area of life through a spirit of commitment and a motivation to glorify Him. It’s not the things that I do that God cares about; rather it’s what those things say about my heart.

Excellence in God’s sight isn’t being the best; it’s being my best.

God has blessed each of us with gifts and talents.  Excellence depends on being committed to the development and usage of the abilities the Lord has given.  When someone has the talent but not the commitment they are often lazy and slothful and God condemns this in His Word.  When someone has the commitment but not the talent they are often unproductive and ineffective.  But, when we are committed to use the talents given to us by God and rely on the power available to us through the Holy Spirit, the result is EXCELLENCE.  This excellence is what glorifies God.

Why strive for excellence?
God deserves our best! Scripture states: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11 NIV).

There are many good and worthy causes to which I can devote time, but there is only one cause that is worthy of every ounce of work, devotion, sacrifice, and dedication. That cause is serving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

What about excellence in PWOC ministry?

Today’s women lead busy lives. When they invest their time, money or energy in something, they want it to be worthwhile. Poor planning and careless organization lead to mediocre results. Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, makes two comments about excellence in ministry: It honors God, and it inspires people. These are worthy ministry goals!

Summing it up

The core purpose of excellence in ministry can be summed up in these words from Colossians 3:23-24:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (NIV).

This tells me that excellence in ministry is:

1)   Encouraged by a heart to honor God and fulfill His will

2)   Exhibited in the giving of one’s best as an act of worship to God

3)   Expressed through faithful service to God and His purpose

May God bless you as you seek to serve Him with all your heart!

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Central Region Update

regional review, Testimonies, Who are we
Aug 172010

Submitted by Kristin Hathaway, Central Region President

Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:7-8 (NLT)

When I interviewed for the position of Central Region president, I was asked who I could point to as a model of a good regional president. It was a question I had not anticipated, but I immediately thought of Ronda Sturgill, who was the West Region Coordinator several years ago. I wanted to emulate her because she was like Paul. Paul wrote lots of letters encouraging and instructing leaders in Christian living. Ronda made it a priority to contact the west region local leaders each month with a note of encouragement.

As a regional president, I have made a commitment to be intentional about communicating with the leaders in my region who serve at the local level. Intentional communication means providing timely information, as well as making myself available to answer questions or provide tools and training.

For those of you who serve locally on a board or a ministry team, or for those of you who are feeling God’s call to get more involved, remember that there are resources available to you. Your regional boards are in place to help you be successful as you minister to women on the local level.

Jesus Christ is the message we preach and it is our number one aim to lead women into a relationship with Him. Regional and International board members want women to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As we discover new ways to reach women with the message of Jesus, the bottom line is the same: Jesus is the answer! The ways we communicate his message may look different through the years, but Jesus stays the same.

I am so thankful for leaders like Ronda and Paul that I can emulate as I minister to the women in my region. I pray my light will shine brightly so that women will glorify my Father in Heaven!

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Selecting Bible Study Teachers & Facilitators

Devotions
Aug 162010

Submitted by Andrea Plotner

It’s that time of year when kids are heading back to school, and our PWOC Bible studies are gearing back up. Many of you reading this blog carry the responsibility and privilege of selecting teachers and facilitators for those Bible studies, and I know that can sometimes seem like a daunting task. But there are some sound ways of going about this selection process, and here’s how I’d go about it:

• Start with prayer for God’s guidance
• Get an idea of what studies you plan to offer, and then look around to see women who are passionate in these areas
• Consider women who are known to be mature in Christ and obedient to His Word
• Ask yourself who, in your group, has gifts of teaching, exhortation, or encouragement
• Are there women toward whom others are naturally drawn as mentors?

Once I have identified several potential teachers, I might approach them about their interest and availability in the year ahead. I like to have application-type forms for them to fill out indicating their Christian testimony, their teaching experience, and their view on some foundational Christian beliefs. These responses help me gauge whether they might be better placed as a teacher, co-teacher, or future teacher. Finally, I like to meet individually with the women, preferably with the chaplain advisor or PWOC president, to discern together if this is the right season for this teacher. This meeting should be a time of affirmation, prayer, and encouragement, whether or not the woman is selected to teach.

Whenever possible, I like to pair an experienced teacher with a new teacher to build up one another and “share the care” of the women in the class. Often an older woman will bring wisdom while a younger woman brings vitality. After teachers are selected, I like to continue to equip and encourage them throughout the semester, and PWOCI has some great resources to do just that. Your regional leadership can help in this area and can be contacted via this PWOC.org website. Along with the highs of leading others to God’s Word, it’s not uncommon for teachers to experience doctrinal differences, conflict, or difficult personalities in class, so it’s good to act as a sounding board and coach for that teacher or teaching team. Pray for your teachers throughout the semester. Yours is a privileged position because it requires perceptiveness and discernment.

God bless you all as you carry out your individual roles within PWOC for God’s kingdom and glory! And may many know and love Christ because of your faithful efforts.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

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Prayer for August

Prayer Points
Aug 132010

Dear Father,

Help us to be imitators of you, because we are your children.  Let us be filled with love.  Forgive us and cleanse us of immorality, impurity and greed. Forgive us of any obscene stories, foolish conversations and coarse jokes.  Instead, I pray our mouths would be full of thankfulness to you!    Lord give us strength not to participate in these things. Help us to never love things, but increase in our love for You.  We do not excuse our sins, but we confess them so that we can be made right with you.   We were once in the darkness, but you have given us your light!!  Jesus, You are the Light of the world.  Let your light produce that which is good and right and true in our lives.   We receive your forgiveness and cleansing. Thank you so much.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Ephesians 5:1-9

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PWOC Europe Update

Local Limelight, News & Announcements, Who are we
Aug 122010

By Christine Young, Europe Region President

It’s that time of year when summer is coming to a close.   Soon the kids will go back to school and PWOC will kick into high gear as our new theme begins to blossom uniquely in over 150 chapters worldwide.   Europe is one of the eight regions in PWOC International with 34 chapters:  21 Army, 10 Air Force and 3 Navy.

Our region is unusual in that it has 8 Areas and two major conferences each year.   In the spring we’ll have WILD and in the fall we have Worship & Study with about 400 women attending.

One thing we are observing across our region is that women are responding to God in obedience and doing things differently than what has “always been done” in the past.   There is a level of freedom and permission that is evident and it’s exciting to see women respond to God and try new things.

One example at the regional level is that we are having 6 speakers at Worship & Study this November, rather than one…and we didn’t change our budget.   We found speakers who are a part of PWOC and our military community.   These women understand who we are and what the needs of our women are as battle weariness and deployments continue.   So, we’re stepping out in faith and trying something new with great excitement as we look forward to seeing all that God will do in the lives of women who attend.

I love Hebrews 11:1 that reads “now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Later in that chapter in verse 8 we see that “by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out not knowing where he was going.”  My prayer for each woman in PWOC is that she has an intimate relationship with Christ and that she hears and obeys His voice.   Sometimes that means we have to act on what He asks us to do when we have no clue where we are going or what His purpose is.   Faith may require that we step out “blind” with boldness and in obedience.  May we all be found faith full.

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PWOC Sunday 2010

Bits & Pieces, News & Announcements
Aug 112010

Submitted by Donna Castle, PWOCI Financial Liaison

Some of you may be asking, “What is PWOC Sunday?” During a specific weekend every September, local PWOCs are encouraged to work with their Chaplains to emphasize PWOC during all Protestant services on their military installation. PWOC women may volunteer to lead worship, sing with the choir, do a skit, act as ushers, do the Scripture readings, share testimonies of the impact of PWOC on their lives and families, hostess the fellowship time, etc. In other words, PWOC ladies may participate in the services in any way directed by the Chaplain.

Why? Because on this Sunday, the offerings received in all Protestant Army chapels is designated to go to Protestant Women of the Chapel International in support of the International and Regional levels of PWOC. When people see the transforming work of Jesus Christ through the ministry of PWOC, we believe that they will want to generously support PWOC with their finances as well as their prayers. The 2010 Army Chief of Chaplains PWOCI Designated Offering will be collected during the weekend of September 11 and 12, 2010. Other military chapel communities may also collect designated offerings for PWOCI.

How is PWOC funded? Let me count the ways:

  • Funding for Local PWOCs varies from installation to installation and is ultimately decided by the Installation/Garrison Chaplain.
  • PWOC International and Regional activities are funded by “sacred dollars” – that money which has been donated by chapel communities around the world through PWOCI-specific designated offerings. The annual Army-wide designated offering is the primary source of funding used to offset ministry operating costs such as expenses related to international and regional conferences, leadership training, Bible Study development, web site development, etc. From this designated offering, yearly regional grants are determined and distributed by the Director of Information, Resource, Management and Logistics (IRML).
  • Additional sources of funding for the ministry are grants from the various services and conference fees.
  • Donations from individuals and organizations are welcomed.

Currently, PWOC International operates in eight regions around the world: Alaska, Asia, Central, Europe, Northeast, Pacific, Southeast and West. PWOC reaches over 8,000 women on a weekly basis. There are active PWOCs on 152 military installations broken down as follows:

  • Air Force bases: 64
  • Army posts: 71
  • Navy/Marine installations: 12
  • Joint: 5

PWOC International’s ministry is expanding. We need your help.

  • Pray for God to open the heavens and bring in the support for this essential ministry to so many women who are weary from the long years of deployment.
  • Please get the word out about the designated offering received on September 11 and 12, 2010. Helpful documents including PWOC Sunday publicity bulletin inserts are available on the PWOC website under “Donation Information” located at the right side of the header (http://www.pwoc.org/DonationInfo.html).
  • Get involved with your PWOC Chaplain and plan a PWOC Sunday at every Protestant chapel on your military installation.

If you have any further questions, please contact the PWOCI Financial Liaison at financial@pwoc.org. PWOCI is collecting testimonies so that we can tell the story to those who give how this ministry is helping women grow in the Lord. If you are interested in sharing your brief testimony, please send it to Testimony@pwoc.org.

The International Board is here to help you have a successful PWOC Sunday and a great PWOC year. Rich blessings to all!

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The Call to Missions

Devotions
Aug 092010

My family recently traveled to the tropical and very hot Kingdom of Cambodia. It is a third world country stricken with poverty; not only physical, but spiritual too. I was disheartened by the many Buddhist temples and shrines that lined the main roads and were scattered across the county side. My heart felt joy when I identified a small number of churches that displayed a cross above the building; a visible symbol to me and a remnant of HOPE that TRUTH was being proclaimed in this land. There are people who heard the call to missions in this country. A mission is defined as an assignment, task, job, work, charge, undertaking, duty, or operation. “Missions” is the Great Commission that Jesus calls us to fulfill in the book of Acts and the four Gospels.

When I was a young teenager, I felt in my heart God called me to the mission field. However, I didn’t surrender to the call to go into foreign missions and went my own way. I pursued a college degree and upon graduation, married an Airman from my home town. Even though I didn’t step out in faith and obedience when I was young, God had His way of accomplishing His purpose and plan in my life. God foreknew I would marry an Airman who would take me all over the United States and the world. I have had wonderful opportunities to be a missionary in several states and live abroad in predominantly Islamic and Buddhist countries. God is amazing!! Only He could have orchestrated the plans He had for me. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve my God, husband, children, country and church in the wonderful places He has sent me and will send me.

God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. It is His plan for us to share the gospel; not only in word, but in actions too. There are many people with physical and spiritual needs. Jesus did not come only to save the lost from their sins; but He fed the hungry, cast out demons, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. That is the power of God! He told the disciples that anyone with faith could do greater things if they ask in His Name. (John 14:11-13). The Holy Spirit will give you boldness and endue you with power to witness and minister to a lost world. He will be the light shining through you in a dark world. Where has God placed you? Are you sharing the gospel and fulfilling the mission that God has planned for you? Are you a living testimony of His salvation and are you demonstrating His love and power in your actions? It is His plan for you to be where you are right now and to use you. Listen to His voice and allow Him to guide your footsteps. Surrender your ‘will’ and step out in faith and obedience to serve Him wholeheartedly. Don’t limit the power of God. Trust in Him and not in your own ability or the gifts of others. God calls us to live by faith, not by sight. Love, minister and proclaim the gospel of HOPE and TRUTH to the people He has placed in your home, neighborhood, school, workplace, and church. If your husband has a military “mission” in a foreign country, take the opportunity to reach beyond the gates of the base. The mission field is all around you. Have you heard and surrendered to The Call to Missions?

What you can do:
* Share the Gospel
* Live the Gospel
* Support missions with tithes and offerings
* Pray for missionaries around the world
* Pray for salvation of the lost

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.

John 14:11-13

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Prayer for August 8-14

Prayer Points
Aug 062010

We agree together that God has given us different types of leaders to build us up and train us. We call forth these leadership gifts in our body.  We ask for God’s favor, protection, wisdom, and peace to guard leaders.  We pray they would be strengthened in their responsibilities to equip us.  We pray for unity in our faith and in the knowledge of Jesus.  We pray that we would each grow and mature and that we would know the truth and speak it in love.  We pray we would become more and more like Jesus, the head of us all. Help each of us to learn and do our special part so that we can help each part of our wonderful ministry to grow and be healthy and full of love. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 4:11-16

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Being a Verb

regional review, Testimonies
Aug 052010

Submitted by: Alicia Meyer, regional president – Alaska

At many stepping stones in my life I have been asked some form of the question “What prompted me to respond to a call to service?” and just as many times my answer starts with a PWOC sister’s name.  For example “Well, Dawn suggested…” or “Karen came to me and said…” and I got to thinking about what they have taught me either by lesson or example and I had this thought “She was a verb in my life!”   We know something has arrived in the worldly sense when a proper noun becomes a verb.  In this age,  we ‘Google’ things on the web instead of looking them up or we ‘Martha Stewart’ something when we make some not so cute item into a “good thing”.   These women saw something that God planted inside me and didn’t say …”one day you will…” they reached inside and helped it grow, they took an active role in my life, and they became verbs in my life.

In the Great Commission Jesus said:

“Therefore, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt28:19-20a)

These are very active words, they are verbs.  They require action; they require me to take an active role in someone’s life.

I am thankful for these Titus II women in my life and the verbs they became and find myself asking; “Am I a verb in someone’s life?”  This term the Alaska Region has been called to “unite and empower”, this too requires action, so I challenge everyone to consider how it is that you are accomplishing this in your life and the lives of others.  Are you acting on the call God has placed on our lives to invest in others?

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A Leader Who Shines...Connects with Love

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday
Aug 042010

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“ John 13:34-35 (NIV)

A Leader Who Shines… Connects with Love

Christ had a genuine love for the people He served – us. To serve us – He took the earthly form of a man, even though He was the Son of God. To serve us – He became a sacrifice, although He was a King. Christ is our shining example and model of leading with love.

As disciples of Christ we are called to servant leadership. This is not “naturally” an easy thing to do. We enter this world believing “it’s all about me.” There is some heart work to be done by God and our parents right from the beginning! As we step into leadership we really need to examine our hearts’ motivation. As Christ leads our hearts and minds we lead with the right motivation. Our best source of heart leading material is God’s Word.

According to Oswald Chambers, “the measure of the words of our public activity for God is the private communion we have with Him.” Our private communion with God through prayer and His Word is invaluable as a servant leader. Through His Word, God shines light into the dark places and fills those places with His wisdom. The Greek definition of the word for wisdom, sophia, includes the content and truth of the Word as well as the application of the Word. Blessedly, the Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us to apply His wisdom as servant leaders. Left to our own understanding, we can tend to puff up ourselves when we gain a little knowledge and a leadership position. 1 Corinthians 8:1 states that to God’s glory, “love builds up” and that the leader “who loves God is known by God.”  His is a Name to drop! “Yes, I am known by God!”

Jesus counseled His disciples when they got carried away in their understanding and being name-droppers. In Matthew 20:25-28 He fills them in about how man lords position, knowledge and power over others. Not so with His leaders. He calls us to serve and give as He so lovingly did for us.

If we love God and are known by Him, we will love those we lead and they will know that we are Christ’s disciples.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3 (NIV)

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